Flights into and out of Bali are suspended due to the eruption of Mount Raung.

The volcano burst to life on Thursday but winds are now carrying the ash from the eruption toward Denpasar Airport.  The ash is being described as “not very thick” and from “a weak plume” yet it was enough to endanger aircraft.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said that the plume could cause cancelled flights for a few more days.  Some airlines were hoping to resume service on Sunday but most said they were counting on local officials.

“Our team of meteorologists are continuing to monitor the situation, in consultation with the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre,” Virgin Australia said in a statement.  “The safety of our guests and crew is our highest priority, and we will recommence normal operations as soon as the volcanic ash safely allows it.”

Witnesses say the ash is so fine in the area around the airport that most people don’t even realize something is happening with the volcano.  Sally Neville was traveling to Bali on vacation with her family and have found them broken up because of cancelled and rescheduled flights.

“We had booked and planned this holiday for four months,” she said.  “The ash is not visible in Bali, the locals are unaware of the volcano.”